Tragic Shooting at French Wedding Leaves Bride Dead and Community in Shock

A once joyful wedding in the French village of Goult descended into chaos early Sunday morning when masked assailants launched an attack, taking the life of a 27-year-old bride and leaving her 25-year-old groom and a 13-year-old child critically injured. Local authorities confirmed that one suspect was also killed during the ensuing crossfire. The incident, believed to be linked to drug-related violence, has prompted a large-scale manhunt and a thorough investigation into the motivations behind the attack.

At approximately 4:30 AM local time, the couple was exiting their wedding reception when the assault occurred. Eyewitness accounts report that the couple's vehicle may have inadvertently struck one of the assailants during the chaos. Avignon prosecutor Florence Galtier clarified that the suspect was actually shot during the conflict. Reports indicate that there were around 28 guests in attendance at the village hall at the time. In response to the violence, local Mayor Didier Perello voiced his condemnation, expressing community fears about undercurrents of crime tarnishing the village’s image, which has historically been peaceful. A resident, restaurateur Guillaume Molinas, lamented the tragic event, noting it marked a waning of Goult's long-cherished tranquility, the last significant disturbance recorded being 125 years ago. Security measures are now being assessed as the community grapples with the impact of this harrowing event.